HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 4, 2001 I-01CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Update on East Side projects
MEETING DATE: April 4, 2001
PREPARED BY: Community Development Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information Only
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Over the last several months, a number of questions have been
asked regarding the activities the City has been involved with on
the east side of town. More specifically, perhaps, what else
should the City do relative to the decline of Lodi's east side area.
I believe this question should and will continue to be asked in the
future as well.
In order to give some perspective on the issues, I think it is important to revisit what has taken place
most recently. By no means should this list be considered the end of our attention, but it is significant
when considering the time frame and percentage of expenditure involved.
Within the past five years, a new program was initiated in the Community Development Department that
focuses on enforcement of various codes on the east side. The Community Improvement Division began
as a part-time position and has grown to three (3) full time inspectors, one full time clerical, and in the
upcoming budget, a request for one contract inspector. The current budget for this program is $200,000.
A clear majority of the 455 active cases are property issues on the east side.
In addition to the Community Improvement functions, the City administers the Community Development
Block Grant Program. This federally funded program allocates money to projects throughout Lodi with
an emphasis on those that directly benefit persons of low -moderate income. In the same five-year
period, the City has allocated nearly $3,000,000 or seventy-five (75%) of the funds available to east side
projects. Examples include: The Boys & Girls Club, street and alley lighting, parks and recreation
improvements, Food Bank, Fair Housing, and the Loel Senior Center.
Within the Police Department program activities like the Street Crimes Unit, Gang Unit, Downtown Bike
Patrol and Community oriented policing have had very positive effects on specific issues.
In Public Works, the day-to-day activities go mostly unnoticed. Within the Street Division the majority of
funds for street overlays and sidewalk replacement are on the east side. Further, street tree planting and
replacement is almost entirely focussed on the east side. Significant projects that have occurred or are
on the current projects list include Downtown and Cherokee Lane, Stockton Street reconstruction,
removal of the railroad tracks on Lodi Avenue, and the initiation of the sewer/water line replacement
program which will likely run over $20 million dollars over the next 10 years.
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flyn -- City Manager
o�->> 03/29101
Council Communication
Meeting Date: April 4, 2001
Page 2
Last year the City initiated the Lodi Redevelopment Agency. The establishment of Project Area No. 1 is
currently in process. The estimate of potential funding possible over the life of the project area is
$29 million that will be spent within the east side area.
As I mentioned, this is just a list of the most significant activities. The City recently coordinated, with
many other agencies, the Central Avenue Celebration and additionally held a special City Council
meeting at the Salem Methodist Church. There are also a number of individuals who volunteer their time
in an effort to improve the east side area. The past and present members of the Eastside Improvement
Committee should be acknowledged as a driving force in bringing issues of the east side to the City's
attention. Their continued efforts along with others will have a positive impact in making Lodi's east side
a more pleasant environment.
FUNDING: None required
Konradt Bartlam
Community Development Director
Prepared by: Community Development Director
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